Kekuta Manneh

A quick and agile winger, Kekuta Manneh joined Whitecaps FC after being selected fourth overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, the Gambian striker played for Austin Aztex of the USL PDL. Manneh scored his first MLS goal for Whitecaps FC on April 27, 2013 versus FC Dallas.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

2013: Manneh had a memorable rookie season with Whitecaps FC, scoring six goals and recording two assists in 20 appearances. The Gambian made his first start for the club on opening day, playing the first 45 minutes against Toronto FC on March 2 at BC Place. His first goal for the club came on April 27 when he ignited the ‘Caps comeback in a 2-2 draw against FC Dallas, scoring the first goal before assisting on Camilo’s equalizer. His second goal came on July 14, as he came off the bench to seal a 3-1 win over Chicago Fire. The biggest moment of the season for Manneh was a hat-trick versus Seattle Sounders FC on October 9. At 18-years-old at the time, Manneh became the youngest player in MLS history to record a hat-trick. The young striker went on to make a second consecutive start away at Colorado Rapids on October 19, scoring a sublime goal on 32 minutes. Manneh also made one substitute appearance in the Amway Canadian Championship, coming on against FC Edmonton on May 1.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER RESERVES LEAGUE

2013: The Gambian bagged a goal and assisted on another in the 'Caps' 6-1 win over Trinity Western University. He opened the scoring in a thrilling 3-3 tie between the Reserves and Chivas USA's Reserves. He has scored versus Richmond Kickers in both meetings this year against the USL pro side, on June 22 and July 23.

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

2012: In his first and only season with Austin Aztex, Manneh made 12 regular season appearances, starting in 10 matches and scoring seven goals. This included a four-goal performance in a 7-0 win against the Texas Dutch Lions, after which he was named PDL Player of the Week. In the 2012 USL PDL postseason, Manneh appeared in 2 matches and registered three goals.

UNITED STATES SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

2011: In his second year in the USSDA, Manneh registered 24 goals in 23 matches for Lonestar SC U-17/18. 2010: In his debut season in the USSDA, Manneh registered 35 goals and three assists in 23 matches for Texas Rush U-15/16. As a result of his great 2010 campaign, Manneh was named to the 2010 Disney’s Soccer Showcase All-Star Team and received a one-week training stint with Premier League side Chelsea FC.

GAMBIA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

2009-10: Manneh played his first season of professional soccer for Steve Biko FC of the GFA League First Division. In 12 matches, Manneh registered 17 goals before continuing his soccer career in North America.